West Sussex will take 240 Syrian refugees

WEST Sussex County Council has confirmed it will take in dozens of refugees over the next four years – with some families arriving early in 2016.

The council has joined with borough and district councils, health and emergency services, faith groups, charities, and voluntary and community groups, to formally agree to help house and support 240 Syrian refugees.

The government has pledged that 20,000 refugees are to be relocated across the whole of the country over the next four years. It has asked all local authorities across the country if they are willing to take part in the scheme and, if so, how many refugees can be helped in each area.

Louise Goldsmith, West Sussex County Council leader, said: ‘There are lots of details to sort out but this is about helping those refugees in the greatest need including people who are vulnerable, women, children or those who are in need of medical care. As a county we want to do what we can to help.’